Okay so I got another idea for a story, not the best one but I guess it will be fun. If you can't take a quick guess by the title this fic, at the moment it's based on making a little bit of fun at Ash's inability to notice any type of attraction towards him. Oh and FYI, it's in his POV as per my current pattern.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokèmon in any way whatsoever.

Amid the many screams that saturated the stadium I looked upon the battlefield in horror as my closest friend was being beaten down by the many large vines that were currently jutting out of the ground. An equally large turtle with a tree growing out of its back stood on the other side of the field with his trainer grinning ear to ear.

"Pikachu should never have had to been the one for this fight. He has too much of a disadvantage. If I had my choice Infernape would be the one who would be finishing this battle for me right now, but he was barely overpowered only a few minutes ago. Pikachu…"

"Please Pikachu, hang in there! Use Agility to avoid those vines!" I yell out to him. But it was no use, Pikachu was too tired to do anything but dodge and even that was starting to fail him.

"Torterra use Earthquake to slow its movements." Paul commanded as his smile continued to grow. The Continent Pokèmon obeyed it master and with a sharp strike to the ground with one of his massive legs the entire stadium started to shake. Fissures started to appear around the field, and they achieved the exact effect that he wanted. Pikachu now had to worry about not falling into or tripping over the fissures created in addition to the vines that were chasing after him, thus splitting his attention and slowing him down.

Feeling crushed by the ensuing cries that came from the audience, I tried to put them all aside to focus myself. But in doing so I thought I was able to pick out a familiar voice, the voice was soothing and I could feel my determination and resolve returning even in this time of desperation.

"Pikachu strike him hard with an Iron Tail! Show Paul that we won't give up that easily!"

"Pika!" Pikachu rushed forward with his tail starting to glow white, the only attack he had that could affect the massive opponent that stood before him.

Paul's smile started to fade, "Even in the grip of defeat you continue to defy fate. So childish, learn your place in the world. Torterra, finish that rodent off with another Frenzy Plant."

Torterra's eyes started to glow green as the vines began to sprout out of the ground yet again. As Pikachu neared his target, dodging the many vines that came his way, he jumped over one of the many fissures, but as he did a vine came out of the crack and grabbed him. Pikachu was able to squirm out of its grasp but the damage was already done, in the time it took for him to get free all of the other vines were able to get to that point and close in on him. I almost couldn't watch as they started to engulf him. And finally I couldn't take any more.

"Stop the battle!" I yell to the judge as I run out on the field to my fallen friend. "Please, stop the battle! No victory is worth hurting Pikachu to this degree."

The judge nodded and made the official decision. "This battle is over. The red trainer had forfeited the match and thus has conceded victory to the green trainer, the winner of this battle and the trainer continuing on to the final round, Paul of Veilstone City!"

As I finally reached the place where Pikachu was, Torterra's vines started to loosen from around his body. Pikachu was still conscious but nowhere near a good enough state where he could walk on his own. I picked him up and started to walk to the trainer's prep room. I ignored all of the cheers that erupted from the crowd at the announcement at Paul's victory. If they only knew his true nature like I did then they wouldn't be cheering for his victory. But that was the least of my worries, at the moment I had six injured Pokèmon to take care of.

As I walked into the trainer's prep room and sat down I was greeted by my current traveling companion, Dawn. Brock had left some time ago to become an apprentice to some famous breeder, so ever since then it has just been me and Dawn. She had a sympathetic look on her face, but sympathy was the last thing that I wanted.

"Hey Dawn, guess I lost this one." I said giving a fake smile. I tried to keep my spirits up so that Dawn wouldn't start into her usual routine when I lost. It didn't work.

"Sorry about your loss Ash. I wish that you could have at least lost to anyone but him." Dawn started with in a slow tone. Every time that I lost she would be trying to use the same method to cheer me up, and every time it wouldn't work as she hoped it would. I would just fake my way out of it and deal with it by myself. "But I think that I found a way that definitely will cheer you up." As she said this a big smile formed on her face.

"Huh? No usual 'Don't worry, it'll be alright' speech? What's she planning?" I never did like that smile. It always meant that she had something planned or was in the process of being planned, and either way it was never good.

"She says that she is an old friend of yours, I found her wandering around the stadium this morning after you left."

"She?" I thought. As far as I knew there was no one else that was going to come and see me during today's battle, although there was one person that came to mind. She always seemed to bring me luck in my battles for some reason, because I could always hear her voice cheering for me and her cheers would usually help spur me on in battle. No matter how many people may have been present, I could always pick her voice out from all the rest. And because of this I started to consider her my good luck charm.

Dawn probably sensed my hesitation. "I think that its time to bring her in. You can come out now!' She called.

From the door to the hallway a tall blue eyed brunette stepped into the room. I instantly knew who it was.

"May? What are you doing here?" I asked as I got up to greet my old friend, handing Pikachu to Dawn in the process. My loss only a minute ago completely left my mind.

"Hey Ash, long time no see." She replied with a shy smile. "I wanted to surprise you as you made your victory in the Sinnoh League, but neither turned out as I was hoping. First of all I got here early and now you lost after you finally got to the semifinals. Sorry Ash." She then pulled me into a friendly hug, for some reason I suddenly felt at ease and I didn't resist it in any way.

"What are you talking about? You shouldn't be sorry; you had no part in my loss today. But I am glad that you came all the way over here to cheer me on." I say while returning the smile, but this time it was a genuine smile not forced in any way whatsoever.

"Although I wish that I could have shown her how much better I have gotten with a win. Would the outcome have been any different if I had known she was here and cheering for me? My good luck charm and best friend is standing right in front of me and I don't know what else to say."

"You know your cheerleading squad isn't allowed in here."

I turned around towards the voice and saw Paul standing near the entrance to the battlefield, his face not betraying even the slightest emotion.

"But then again someone as weak as you needs all the help they can get." He said giving a smug smile.

"Watch it Paul. I don't need any type of lecture from you." I snapped at him. "At least my Pokèmon trust me and value my friendship."

"And that's why you will never be able to beat me. You are doing nothing but degrading their already pitiful potential."

At that last comment I virtually lost it. "You can badmouth me all you want, you can call me names, degrade my reputation, even hit me if you want to." As I ranted on I could feel myself start to tense up. May, still holding on to my arm, probably felt it as well because I could feel her grip on my arm start to tighten.

"Ash, we should probably go." She whispered. Part of me knew she was right but reason just wasn't winning this battle.

"You should listen to your little girlfriend; this is way over your head." Paul sneered.

"Shut up Paul. The moment that you start to talk down to my Pokèmon is when you've taken one step too far." Without thinking I tried to lunge at Paul, my rage getting the better of me. But at that moment I didn't care, he had insulted my Pokèmon. We had tried so hard to get where we were today and nobody, not even him, would get me to say anything less. As I started to lunge at him I suddenly felt more pressure on my right arm, and just after I could fell someone holing on to my left arm as well. I was about to try and pull free from my restraints but as I looked back I could see Dawn and May holding onto my arms. They both had very surprised looks on their faces, both surprised and worried.

Seeing the girls' faces allowed me to snap back into reality, and realizing what was exactly happening started to scare me as well. I never acted like this, I suddenly felt ashamed of what I just did, even more so because two of my close friends had to watch me do it. It took a few seconds but after some deep breaths I found that I was able to calm down. I looked back at Paul who even after my outburst hadn't moved a muscle.

"My Pokèmon and I have trained hard to get to where we are today. And with their faith in both me and their own abilities we have achieved the impossible. I doubt that you can say that about your Pokèmon."

"If I ever brought myself to that level I would quit as a Pokèmon trainer. And besides depending on others only shows your own weaknesses." Paul said as he got up to leave the room. When he finally left May and Dawn finally released their grip on my arms, May walked over to the chair that Dawn set Pikachu on and picked him up into her arms.

"Sorry guys. I just don't know what came over me. There's just something about him that can get me to that point. And what's worse is that Infernape almost defeated three of his Pokèmon, yet Paul would still never admit that a Pokèmon he released would turn out to be such a powerful and loyal Pokèmon." I couldn't even look either of them in the eye.

"Ash, it's okay. We understand." May came up with Pikachu asleep in her arms. "There is a reason we are called your friends."

"Come on. We should get your Pokèmon to the Pokèmon Center. We can talk more about this tonight over food." Dawn added in.

"You guys know exactly how to try and cheer me up. You're right; there are more important things to worry about right now."

Forgetting about my current standing for the tournament was a lot easier with more than just Dawn there to support me, but even if it made it easier didn't mean that it was out of my mind. We made our way to the Pokèmon Center, just the three of us, not really talking to each other at that moment. But out of everyone there was only one of us seemed to be in a truly happy mood. Pikachu seemed to enjoy being reunited with May just as much as I did because by the time we reached the center he was actually up and about, even if it wasn't at his usual energy level. But even if Pikachu had the energy to move around he seemed to be content to stay in May's arms. Because of this I figured that it would be just as good to stay with us as we ate and only left my other five Pokèmon with Nurse Joy, I also asked her to send the Pokèmon to Professor Oak's lab afterwards figuring that I wouldn't be needing them anytime soon.

"So where do you guys want to eat?" I asked, finally breaking the silence.

"Knowing you Ash we will probably need to be going to a buffet, because otherwise the amount of food that they would need would put them out of business." Dawn said with a small laugh.

"So his appetite hasn't changed even the slightest, even from over year ago, huh?" May added. "Typical Ash."

At that both girls started to try to hold back their laughter. While watching them start to laugh, I could feel myself starting to relax again.

"May if you've already forgotten, you eat just as much as I do. So I won't let you make fun of me while you get off with nothing. And I know more than enough to embarrass you right now in front of Dawn.' I said giving knowing smile.

"And I could say the same thing to you Ash," she shot back, "remember we didn't travel together that long without learning a lot about each other."

"Fine then, I'll stop if you will."

"Deal."

"If you two lovebirds are done arguing, I think we should just go here." Dawn said interrupting our little argument, but there was something in there that instantly caught my attention.

"Lovebirds!?" Both May and I nearly shouted.

"What makes you think that we are together?" I asked Dawn.

"Y…ya, what makes you say that?" May stuttered. But as she did I thought I noticed a slight tinge of red start to appear on her cheeks.

"Relax, it was just a joke." Dawn said trying to clam us down. "I just said that because you two kinda look like a couple when you argue. I didn't really mean anything with it, unless it actually is true."

"No, it's nothing of the sort." I respond honestly. "You just always have had too much of an imagination."

"Ya, there's nothing at all." May said slowly looking down on Pikachu and pulling him closer to herself. He cooed and snuggled deep into her arms. I'm not sure if it was just me but it almost sounded as if May was disappointed in saying that, but it must have just been my imagination. Why would she be disappointed about something like that?

"Alright now that that's been settled, can we eat?" Dawn repeated.

I finally looked up at the place that she pointed out.

"A buffet, I didn't think that she was serious."

Sitting right in front of us was a Chinese Buffet. Why she picked this place of all reasons, I had no clue. But at the moment my stomach was telling me to not be picky, and it said it out loud.

"At least Ash's stomach approves." Dawn said once again trying to hold back her laughter.

"Alright if we're going to eat, let's eat." I say as I walked into the restaurant, trying to end the current topic.

As we got into the restaurant and were seated I could feel myself get hungrier by the second. Being a buffet it didn't take long for us to get a plate so that we could finally eat. As I filled my plate with the various pieces of food available I started to take inventory on my current situation.

"Okay so maybe the buffet idea wasn't that bad of an idea, but I still have a feeling that Dawn brought me here just to make fun of me. Now that the tournament is over what am I going to do? So I guess there's nothing really left for me to do here in Sinnoh. I might as well head back home today. If I can catch the mid-afternoon ferry I should be able to make it back to Pallet by nightfall. I wonder what Dawn and May will do after this? May came all this way just to see my battle, but all she saw today was me losing. I just hope that she isn't too disappointed about coming up here for nothing."

As I walked back to our table I found that I was the last one to get all of my food. When I got close enough to the table I noticed that Dawn and May were talking to each other in a low whisper. They didn't even notice me as I approached them.

"So what are you two talking about?" I ask as I sit down. Both jumped a little at the sound of my voice.

"Ash! You're back!" May exclaimed, she was obviously nervous about something.

I just gave here a confused stare. "Ya I figured it would be easier to sit down as I ate. So what were you talking about?" I repeated.

"Well nothing much." She answered with a nervous laugh. "Mostly about what we would be doing after this. Any ideas?"

Dawn didn't say anything during the small conversation, but she did wear that unnerving smile that I hated. But her first time using that today actually had good results for once so I didn't feel as worried about it as I usually did.

"I was actually just thinking of the exact same thing. Seeing as how there is no reason for me to stay here in Sinnoh I figured that my first route is to head home so I can have time to think more clearly about the issue. How about you two? Seeing as how the finals for the Super Contest are over as well there isn't as much for either of you as well."

"Well I will just go with you Ash." May said as her face started to turn a little red. "If that alright by you of course." She added quickly. "I don't have anything planned right now, and I had so much fun during our last journey I figured that we could do that again."

"I might head home as well," Dawn started. "But heading over to Kanto with you two sounds more fun, and with these new details I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Dawn!" May glared at her after giving a harsh whisper.

"Details about what?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"It's not important." May said rather quickly. "So how are you planning to get back to Pallet then?"

"The Seagallop Ferry service just started runs from the Sinnoh Pokèmon League Port system to Kanto and Johto."

"I know that they ran here from Johto, but I didn't realize they went to Kanto as well."

"Ya they run to both Vermilion City and Pallet Town. They dock at Pallet mostly to accommodate the Indigo League trainers, but that makes it convenient for me and a lot of other people as well. If we can catch the mid-afternoon ferry, we should be able to reach Pallet by tonight."

"Sounds like a good plan. We should finish up and head over there then." Dawn said as she finished the last of her food. "Plus I've never been outside of Sinnoh before so this entire trip should be great!"

"Right." May responded. "How about you Pikachu? You feeling better?"

"Pikachu." He nodded, stretching himself out in May's lap, and then just relaxed back into his original position.

"Glad to hear you're doing better Pikachu. Do you want to ride with me to the ferry?" I ask him as I stuff the last of my food down.

"Pika Pika."

"No? What do you mean no? Why May over me?"

"Oh come on Ash, don't get mad just because he chose me over you. Besides we need to catch that ferry." May then got up with Pikachu in her arms and started to walk out of the restaurant.

"Wait up May!" Dawn called as she ran out as well.

"Don't leave me here!" I call back, but I was quickly grabbed on the shoulder. I look back and see one of the employees standing behind me.

"You're not trying to get out of you bill now are you?"

"Of course not, it just accidentally slipped my mind for a moment." I say with a nervous laugh.

"And your bill will include your two friends as well."

"Great, and just when I was starting to feel better." I think as I hand over the correct amount to him.

"Thank you sir, we hope to see you again." The guy said after counting out the cash.

After paying the guy I ran out the door to catch up to the girls. A couple minutes later I was able to catch up to them, but they seemed so happy about going to Pallet I figured that a few extra dollars wasn't worth bothering them over. And we could see the port coming up in the distance anyways, so there would be other things to worry about.

It didn't take long to get to the ticket booth. There was a young woman working there currently helping another couple of passengers.

"Good thing that Brock isn't here, otherwise we might actually miss the ferry because of her." I heard Dawn whisper to May while discretely pointing at the clerk.

"So he still hasn't found a girlfriend? I would have thought that there would have been at least one girl to accept his offer by now." May giggled.

"Can I help you three?"

I looked back and realized that the two people in front of the booth were gone and the lady was looking at us.

"Yes I was wondering if the ferry for Pallet has left yet." I asked her as we walked up to her.

"If you would give me one second I will find out." She asked as the clicking of keyboard keys started. "The ferry will be leaving in half-an-hour, would you like tickets?"

"Yes we would." I said as I reached down for my wallet. Dawn and May did as well, but as May got hers out of her pack her eyes widened.

"Wait a minute; we forgot to pay for our lunch!"

Dawn's eyes widened as well, "You're right! Oh man we're in big trouble now."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the two of them. "Don't worry about it; I took care of the bill before I left."

They both relaxed instantly. "Thanks Ash." May spoke up, "to make up for it I'll take care of your ticket for you."

I was caught slightly off guard by the offer. "No don't worry about it May, it was my pleasure to treat you guys." I say with a smile.

"Aren't you going to go say anything Dawn?" She asked the coordinator.

"Hey he paid for my half of the bill, why would I complain?" Dawn asked as she pulled out the money for her ticket.

"But I'm still going to pay for your ticket Ash." May insisted walking up to the ticket booth.

Not wanting to be outdone by a girl, I put my hands on May's shoulders and gently pulled her away from the booth. "No May, just consider it my treat and leave it at that."

"Um if you say so Ash." She seemed to stutter a bit as she said that, and her face started to turn red again.

"May are you okay? You're face has turned red quite a few times today. Do you have a cold or something?" I asked her as I put my hand on her forehead. She didn't feel that warm, but as I did Dawn started to giggle and May's face only turned redder. She quickly turned away.

"Don't worry A..ash, I'm fine" I could hear her gulp. "But thanks for your concern." She added in a low whisper, I could barely hear it.

"No problem May, anytime." I say as I give her a big smile, she mumbled something that I couldn't understand as Dawn continued to giggle.

"Must be some girl thing." I thought as I paid for and received my ticket.

Well, truthfully, I'm not really satisfied with how this chapter came out but as long as you guys liked it I guess that's all that matters. This fic will most likely have a bit more erratic update schedule unlike my other ones for one reason or another, so sorry in advance. And I have no clue how this is going to end; there are so many things I can do to make good clean fun with Ash. As always please review, thanks for reading!